Things to do in Grays

Activities, attractions and tours

New Resturant Lakeside Waterfront Grays Essex
New Resturant Lakeside Waterfront Grays Essex
The Ring of Red charity motorcycle ride round the M25.
St Giles & All Saints church, Orsett
Photo by Dave Kelly (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
St Mary the Virgin, North Stifford
Photo by John Salmon (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)
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Top places to visit

1. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most well-known parks. The park connects with Kensington Gardens and the two combined cover 630 acres (253 hectares). Together they form the centrepiece of a network of parks known as “London’s Green Lung.” Once the private hunting grounds of King Henry VIII, today the park is filled with heritage sites, monuments and events to attend all year-round.
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Hyde Park featuring a garden, a river or creek and watersports

2. Big Ben

Catch a glimpse of Big Ben across the River Thames and you’ll know that you have truly arrived in London. Featured in British films, such as “Bridget Jones’s Diary”, “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually”, Big Ben is best viewed from the Thames’ east bank or while strolling along Westminster Bridge, en route to see the Houses of Parliament.
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Big Ben showing a city, a monument and a river or creek

3. O2 Arena

The O2 Arena is an award-winning complex that hosts many types of events, such as sports and music. It has a seating capacity of about 20,000 and has held the title as the busiest arena in the world with more than 2 million ticket sales in a calendar year. It was designed with excellent acoustics to prevent echoing.
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O2 Arena which includes a river or creek and modern architecture

4. Buckingham Palace

The official home of British royalty since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the epicentre of Britain’s constitutional monarchy. It’s walls have witnessed innumerable state decrees, lavish banquets and foreign dignitary receptions.
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Buckingham Palace, Westminster, London

5. London Bridge

London Bridge is easily one of the most famously named bridges in the world, and the site of the oldest recorded crossing of the River Thames. Walk across the landmark structure, enjoy gorgeous river views and pick up insights into the bridge’s history in its underground vaults.
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The view across London Bridge showing the walkie talkie (voted the ugliest building in the UK) the gherkin and the razor.

6. Tower Bridge

For London locals, Tower Bridge is a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, ushering 40,000 vehicles safely across the Thames daily. However, for many visitors, the sight of the dual Gothic towers rising above the skyline is a must-see.
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Tower Bridge featuring heritage architecture, a bay or harbour and a bridge

What to do in Grays

Popular places to visit

New Resturant Lakeside Waterfront Grays Essex

Lakeside Shopping Centre

4/5(27 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Lakeside Shopping Centre during your visit to West Thurrock. Stroll along the area's marina or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

Lakeside Shopping Centre

Arena Essex Raceway

Catch an event at Arena Essex Raceway and enjoy other activities in West Thurrock such as sailing.Make time to visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Arena Essex Raceway

Lakeside Karting

Enjoy a trip to Lakeside Karting and popular activities such as sailing in Grays. Stroll along the area's marina or simply savour its lively bars.

Lakeside Karting

Frequently asked questions

Is Grays worth visiting?
Grays offers an interesting mix of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into nature, history or regional cuisine, there's a lot you'll find here.
How do I spend a day in Grays?
When you've checked off top attractions like Festival Leisure Park and Hollywood Bowl Basildon, spend the rest of your day experiencing Grays's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Grays?
Don't go home without exploring Festival Leisure Park, rated the top tourist attraction in Grays.
Is three days enough to stay in Grays?
You can easily enjoy leading attractions like Orchard Theatre, FA Premier League Hall of Fame and The Backstage Centre with a three-day trip to Grays. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and head to London.
Is Grays a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to do and see in Grays. Several key sights, including Mardyke Valley Golf Club and Lakeside Shopping Centre, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Grays's neighbourhoods, Thurrock is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while West Thurrock is 3 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Grays with kids?
Planning what to do in Grays with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're holidaying with toddlers or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Grays for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in Grays for adults including Meopham Valley Vineyard and Pegasus Country Club.
Are there free things to do in Grays?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Grays is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without getting your cash out. FA Premier League Hall of Fame is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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